Kawhi Leonard's Statement on Ben Simmons After Clippers-Hawks

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard spoke about the performance of his newest teammate

Farbod Esnaashari | Mar 15, 2025

Mar 14, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LA Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) dribbles defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Dominick Barlow (0) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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Ben Simmons may not have the name value he once had as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, but he's been a very useful asset for the LA Clippers so far this season.

On Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons put up 2 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals in 17 minutes off of the bench. While none of his individual numbers stand out, his presence helped push a massive 35-8 third quarter for the LA Clippers.

Ben Simmons' righty floater caps a 19-0 @LAClippers run! pic.twitter.com/HPFwIUfidX
— NBA (@NBA) March 15, 2025

After the game, Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard gave his thoughts on Simmons and his performance in the game against the Hawks.

Kawhi Leonard talks about playing with Ben Simmons and finding their groove after win over #Hawks. #Clippers @3ptCnvrsn #NBA #ClippersNation #3ptcnvrsn pic.twitter.com/sbQ4OrWDgE
— Raphael Haynes (@rahaynes_) March 15, 2025

Simmons was in the midst of a seven-game absence before returning to the Clippers on Friday night. Through six games with LA this season, Simmons is averaging 6.0 points, 4.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 53.6% shooting from the field. He doesn't have the same impact as he once did during his All-Star playing days with the 76ers, but Simmons is still important.

For the LA Clippers to make some noise and upset some teams in the NBA playoffs they'll certainly need every player healthy and available. From Kawhi Leonard to Ben Simmons to Kris Dunn, the Clippers don't have the luxury to enter a series without their key players available.